California State University-Bakersfield

As a returning student, I was very nervous about going back to school. So far CSUB has been amazing, I love all of the teachers I have had so far.

Most of the professors who I met in my field were very considerate and encouraged us to pursue further learning and collaborations. The learning environment overall was very good. Unfortunately, the studio arts program is severely underfunded and lacks proper space for the different activities and the building itself is pretty old and worn. When it came to online learning and zoom, it was a struggle and a mess. Professors would be in class struggling with Zooms connectivity issues and having to come back into the meetings as to postponing the class for the whole week or day because of it. This was before hybrid learning as I graduated in the last semester of the campus is mostly or fully closed. We still had to pay campus fees as well and gym membership even though nothing was available in person, making it more difficult for me and hundreds of others, financially speaking. When they kicked everyone out of the dorms, the school assumed everyone can "go back home". Some of my friends were homeless, international students (impossible to board a plane to go back for over a year and a half because of restrictions and visas), and I and countless others, are from different cities and states. You can imagine how infuriating this was having to be forced to find an apartment when financial aid barely gave you a dime for your educational expenses even though you are below the poverty level. Even getting FAFSA done was a struggle because this school was and is irresponsible in terms of organization and timeliness, based on experience and friends having to even ditch class to get this resolved. Oh, there's no work in Bakersfield either. Just fast food and waiters/ waitress jobs. Good luck if you come here. you need to have already established connections for work. The food is mostly fats and carbs and uncooked and 2-day-old chicken.

CSUB has a nice sense of community with a very diverse student body.

There are a lot of squirrels on campus.

The staff is very helpful to any questions that are asked, and they do not give off any judgmental looks or comments. Overall, the experience with the staff is very comforting. Most teachers are cool and collective, the past ones I've had make the courses interesting and comprehensive.

What I don't like is that sometimes it could take a while for the staff or professors to get back to you, however, this does depend on who the person is.

I like how almost all of the department builds are close together. Also the community is nice, and the teachers are understanding.

There is not something I don’t like to be honest.

California State University Bakersfield has a good business program although there isn't much to do around campus.

Just be aware of some professors who may not understanding.